I wore this top so many times during my pregnancy that I wasn’t sure I would want to wear it again! (See it here) I was wrong. It’s light weight, and for now, really roomy! Later, when I’ve lost some additional weight, I’m thinking I can belt it to give it a little more shape. The cropped jeans are new, and because they fit so well, I bought then in a dark wash as well.

I decided to play with some older pieces of jewelry and add a little color with accessories. Right now the big trend is to layer large bangle bracelets, but I wanted a more delicate look. The multiple tiny bracelets are made from elastic with sea beads and small charms. The cuff is two sterling silver beads with a red glass bead. I really like the contrast to the large pieces I normally wear. Because the bracelets had a little turquoise tone, I added that same color with my earrings and ring.

These shoes are the first pair I ever purchased from Habitat Shoe Boutique. At that time, the store was located in the Cross Roads District, but today they are in the 119th shopping center located at 119th and Roe. I didn’t wear them at all last summer and I can’t recall why! They are really comfortable and on trend with the woven sole and chunky heel. This is how you do laid back spring comfort!

I am constantly being asked how I never repeat an outfit and I’m here to tell you that’s just not the case. I am always repeating an item, it’s just all in how I pair it. Take this outfit for instance. Every single piece has been worn before.

You might remember the jacket from “Orange You Glad”. I was eight months pregnant and just couldn’t wait to wear the piece until after McKinley was born. I paired the jacket with a gray turtleneck, jeans, flat boots and layered necklaces. This time around, I paired it with a sleeveless t-neck, jeans, scarf and those Seychelle sandals that I absolutely love!

The sleeveless t-neck was featured in “A Leg Up…Spring Jean Trend”. I paired the top with a blazer and high waisted jeans, the same jeans worn in this outfit as well! These types of tops are great investment pieces. The sleeveless is perfect for spring days, but the t-neck adds a bit of warmth. Plus, they are great for layering.

I wore the scarf in “Sparkling Personality”. I doubled up the scarf with that outfit and just loosely wrapped the scarf this time around. The tiny sequins add just a little sparkle to the outfit while also adding a bit of warmth. Scarves are great accessories for almost any outfit. Also, the sandals are those awesome Seychelles that were an awesome investment!

As you can see from this outfit I was able to zip the jacket! I think the fit is much better now. Like I said earlier, I just couldn’t wait to wear the jacket. Are there items you seem to repeat more than others? If so, let me know what they are and how you mix them up!

Thursday, May 19, 2011

I took McKinley to visit Joel at work earlier this week and I wanted both of us to look our best! McKinley was adorable in yellow and I hadn’t a clue what to wear! In all honestly, I’ve started planning his outfits before I’ve even given mine a thought. I started this outfit by just browsing my closet and trying on different blazers. There are several options for future looks, but I felt they were a little too dressy for just a walk around the office.

I purchased this jacket last summer at Century 21 in New York. If you ever have a chance to shop this amazing store, do! I generally have pretty good luck. It’s all discounted designer clothing and when I say discounted I mean it. Be prepared to dig through racks of clothing. They do a fairly decent job in labeling the racks, but items don’t always get put back where they belong. And, the dressing room line is usually pretty lengthy, so if you are like me and don’t mind putting clothes on over your own clothing, go for it! A good rule of thumb, if it fits over your clothing, it will fit when you get home!

On this particular day, I thought it was cooler than it really was and I would have been better off with sleeveless versus long sleeves, but I like the overall outcome. This jacket is perfect for late spring/early summer with 3/4 sleeves and the light weight cotton. And, the color is perfect when transitioning to fall. I love the details as well. The off-center closure, the large brass buttons and the side buckles that help cinch your waist to the perfect fit, are what make the jacket so unique.

In addition to the details of the jacket, I decided to add a very detailed necklace. I love the tassle and plan to wear it more than I have! As for the shoes, I wasn’t sure which ones to go with so I decide on psuedo neutral brown heels. They aren’t super comfy for walking, which I found out all to early in our adventure, but we must suffer through the pain in order to complete the look, right?

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Okay, so I am no where near the beach, but I am loving this springs coral crusade. I purchased the sweater two seasons ago and the scarf last season and never thought to pair them together until today. Originally, I thought of belting the look but it just didn’t look right. When browsing through my scarves, I decided to test this one out. It just adds a little something to the cardigan, don’t you think?

Now, let’s talk about these adorable shoes! My mom purchased these for me last week and I love them! Oxfords are a big trend for spring/summer and the neutral color of these will go with everything. Plus, I just love the pale blue tassel.

And apparently my hair is on trend as well. My mom pointed it out to me this afternoon and said she just read that pinning your hair back is a spring trend. Who knew? I sure didn’t, but I have to say I like how it turned out.

This is one of my favorite tops from last season and I’m so happy to bring it out again this season! This is what I consider a statement piece and when deciding on how to pair said item, remember less is more! The details are what sold me; the little birds, the oversized bow and the blousiness of the overall top. I typically pair it with jeans, but navy and gray pants would compliment it well. As you can see, my favorite Seychelles sandals from last season have reappeared. These were one of the best investments of last summer. (Seen here and here)

The only small detaile I added was this tiny bird ring I purchased last fall at the Plaza Art Fair. Actually, I saw it the year before and wished I had purchased it then. I was so happy that the designer returned to the fair and still had this precious ring available. It’s super dainty and so sweet. I couldn’t resist.

The last photo is just a close up so you can see the detail of the little birds and bow. The color of the top is a buttery cream. So neutral that it can truly be paired with so many things. Isn’t it adorable??

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Saturday my husband and I had our first date since McKinley was born and I was dying to try out the new wide leg jeans I purchased several months ago in hopes they would fit post pregnancy. As you can see, they do!!! Wide leg pants/jeans are a huge trend for spring and summer and it just so happens that I mentioned these particular jeans back in January.

I tried several different tops until I landed on this look. First, I tried a Bohemian look with a boxy top belted at the waist but I didn’t have the right belt, and to be honest, my waist is not quite ready for belts! I then tried a swing sweater, with a very wide belt, but the bulky sweater paired with the wide leg jeans made me look heavier than I really am. That’s when I decided on the blazer. I’ve said it before…a blazer truly can help create the illusion of a waist. It needs to be a fitted blazer, nothing boxy, and I feel like I accomplished my goal.

That Banana Republic necklace is one of the best purchases I’ve made! I wasn’t sure how the detail of the necklace would look with the eyelet pattern of the blazer, but I really think they compliment one another. Plus, it just adds something to the overall look. The other statement piece is the shoes. I so wish we had captured a full on photo, but you can see a hint of them peeking out of the pant leg. I love the burnt orange pop of color, but what you don’t see is the navy blue and cream color block. Don’t worry, they will be back for future outfits.

Just to be clear, I DID NOT tuck in my sweater. I only did this to show off the high waist of the jean. At some point, again when my waist is a little trimmer, I might tuck in a blouse and add a fun belt, but until then I will leave all tops untucked!